Lucky Chinatown celebrated its Annual Mid-Autumn Festival with “Under the Mystic Moonlight,” an event that brought together Chinese traditions, culture, and flavors. Students from various schools displayed their mooncake-making prowess, infusing excitement into the festival and creating a unique cultural experience for all attendees in the Mooncake Masters Competition last September 21.
The participants were tasked to craft the perfect traditional mooncake—without baking. Spectators were invited to watch the process and witness the artistry behind these festive treats. Guests also had the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite mooncake by purchasing samples during the competition, making them an interactive part of the celebration.
The panel of judges, consisting of Mr. Enrico Ah (Former President of FCBAI and Founder of the Philippine Society of Baking), Ms. Kristine Mateo (President of the Philippine Society of Baking), and Mr. Nathaniel Uy (Culinary expert and popular foodie vlogger known as “The Hungry Chef”), evaluated the participants’ creations based on creativity, flavor, and presentation.
The Mooncake Masters Grand Winners and recipients of the Most Delicious Mooncake Award were Ashley Nicole Perez Chua and Monique Lianne Chua Ng from Philippine Academy of Sakya, whose creations stood out among the entries. Each of them took home P10,000 worth of items and a trophy from Lucky Chinatown, along with a Training Voucher worth P10,000 from the Philippine Society of Baking and a Masterclass Sponsorship from the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc.
Special Category Awardees included the pairs of Donna Rose Dal and Consuelo Velarde from Chiang Kai Shek College, and Denise Ang and Jarah Rozene Espinosa from St. Jude Catholic School for Most Creative Mooncake; Elaine Chelsea & Adrian Ocillos for Most Highest Sales, and Denise Ang & Jarah Rozene Espinosa for Most Flavorful Combination.
The Mooncake Masters competition not only provided a platform for these talented students to showcase their creativity but also allowed them to demonstrate their understanding of a tradition that holds deep cultural significance. The mooncake, a symbol of unity and completeness, represents love, togetherness, and hope during Mid-Autumn celebrations, inspired by the legend of the Moon Goddess, Chang’e.